Tradition

WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

Daily adequate intake (AI) of pantothenic acid levels have been established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine based on estimated dietary intakes in healthy populations. A Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) has not been set due to insufficient available scientific evidence. For individuals 19 years and older, the daily AI is 5 milligrams per day. For pregnant women of any age, the daily AI is 6 milligrams per day; for breastfeeding women of any age the daily AI is 7 milligrams per day.

As a dietary supplement, 5-10 milligrams of pantothenic acid has been used, although benefits have not been clearly demonstrated in healthy individuals. Pantothenic acid is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex formulations.

Dexpanthenol 2% cream has been used on the skin for various conditions, applied once or twice daily.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Daily adequate intake (AI) levels of pantothenic acid have been established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine based on estimated dietary intakes in healthy populations. A Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) has not been set due to insufficient available scientific evidence. For infants ages 0-6 months old, the daily AI is 1.7 milligrams per day; for infants 7-12 months old, the daily AI is 1.8 milligrams per day; for children 1-3 years old, the daily AI is 2 milligrams per day; for children 4-8 years old, the daily AI is 3 milligrams per day; for children ages 9-13 years old, the daily AI is 4 milligrams per day; for adolescents ages 14-18 years old, the daily AI is 5 milligrams per day. For pregnant women of any age, the daily AI is 6 milligrams per day; for breastfeeding women of any age the daily AI is 7 milligrams per day.

There is insufficient evidence to recommend specific doses or supplementation in children, except in amounts found in foods or multivitamins.

Safety

DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid if allergic to pantothenic acid or dexpanthenol. Use of dexpanthenol on the skin has been associated with skin irritation/contact dermatitis/eczema. Notably, dexpanthenol is found in many cosmetic products.

Side Effects and Warnings

Pantothenic acid is likely safe when used orally in doses equivalent to the daily adequate intake (AI). Moderate doses have been ingested without significant reported adverse effects. Large amounts of pantothenic acid taken by mouth may cause diarrhea. In theory, nausea and heartburn may occur. It has been noted anecdotally that dexpanthenol may increase bleeding time and therefore potentially increase the risk of bleeding when combined with other agents with similar properties, but there is limited evidence in this area and this is generally not regarded as a serious potential risk.

Use of dexpanthenol on the skin has been associated with skin irritation/contact dermatitis/eczema. Notably, dexpanthenol is found in many cosmetic products.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Daily adequate intake (AI) levels of pantothenic acid have been established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine, based on estimated dietary intakes in healthy populations. Safety of doses beyond AI levels is not known and should be avoided.